This is a pivotal time of growth and opportunity for Martinez, and it’s important to not lose sight of what has made Martinez special to all of us. We need leadership that’s grounded in our local history with an eye toward the future.

 

Putting in the Work  

For the past five years, I have served on the Planning Commission where I now serve as Chair — voting on housing and development applications, our city’s General Plan update, and environmental considerations. I’ve learned firsthand how our city functions, but also how we can do better.

 

In 2018, I helped lead the successful Measure X ballot initiative to provide critical funding for our city’s police department and public works. I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of our campaign, earning overwhelming support from the city to raise police officer salaries and make long needed repairs on public infrastructure projects.

 

I look forward to sharing with you my vision for Martinez and how we can continue to build on what’s made Martinez great. During this campaign, I want to hear from you — your ideas, your stories — and I hope to earn your support this November.

 

• Chair, Martinez Planning Commission (2017-present)
• Co-chair, Martinez Measure X Committee (2018)
• Staff co-chair, Housing Stablilization Task Force, US Congress (2011)
• Advisor, CA Prop. 68 Campaign (2018, climate change)
• Volunteer, Martinez CERT
• Volunteer, Boys & Girls Club of Contra Costa
• Founder, Alhambra Velo Cycling Club
• Eagle Scout, Troop 277
• B.A. UC Santa Cruz

 

Martinez Roots 

I am grateful to have grown up here. Attending St. Catherine of Siena School downtown, I loved riding my bike with friends and playing at Golden Hills Park in Virginia Hills. I played soccer in the local AYSO league and swam for MCST at Rankin Park. I was active in the Boy Scouts where I learned important life skills and was given opportunities to do many community service projects.

 

My parents worked hard to provide these opportunities — my mother as a nurse for Kaiser and my dad who delivered chips for Frito Lay locally. From them, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and community. 

 

After I graduated from UC Santa Cruz, I started my career in the office of Congressman George Miller. It was there that I learned how important good representation in government is and how the right person can be effective, responsive, and a strong advocate for their community. I continued working in Congress on important issues like housing, conservation, public safely, and budget policy. Since moving back home, I started a small business advising organizations and nonprofits on similar issues, and I now work for a global think tank providing technical solutions to climate change. 

 

I met my incredible wife, Marissa, while working in Congress. She worked for political campaigns and organizations to elect more women to office for nearly a decade. Marissa now works for a Bay Area nonprofit, the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, which is committed to unlocking the amazing potential of every child. We are proud to call Martinez home and the place we want to start a family.